A donation of vintage kroj—otherwise known as Czech and Slovak folk costumes—was recently received by the local Czech Heritage Club. Some of the delicate items date back to the early 1900s.
The beautiful apparel was sent to the local club by Mary Ellen Sweeney of Hull, Massachusetts, who wore some of the costumes when she...
To see more on this story, pick up the December 24, 2020 print edition of the Montgomery Messenger or The New Prague Times

Al Milgrom, the filmmaker who made the documentary “Singin’ in the Grain” has died at 98. Milgrom’s movie featured Minnesota's "Czech Triangle" (New Prague, Montgomery, Veseli and Lonsdale) and followed more than 40 years of the Eddie Shimota Band, including footage of the late Eddie Shimota Sr., his son, Eddie Shimota Jr., Jerry Minar and others from around the area. Milgrom was 96 when he came out with the documentary.

Two Le Sueur County officials submitted resignations during the Tuesday, Dec. 22 commissioners meeting. Darrell Pettis, full-time County Administrator will resign effective January 22, 2021. Joshua Mankowski, full-time
Environmental, Planning and Zoning Administrator in Planning and Zoning, will resign effective December 31, 2020. More on these resignations in the December 31 print edition of the newspapers.

St. Patrick’s Tavern north of New Prague is among three bars/restaurants that Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison's office filed lawsuits against on Monday, Dec. 21. The other establishments are Pour House in Clarks Grove and The Interchange in Albert Lea. The lawsuits against the restaurants are for operating indoor dining in violation of the current COVID-19 restrictions.

UPDATE: 12/22/20 4:15 pm
The Scott County Sheriff’s Office has been notified that the 23-year-old victim of a stabbing that occurred in Sand Creek Township on December 21, 2020 has died of his injuries.
The victim, Casey Jeb Trutnau of Jordan, died early this morning at Hennepin County Medical Center after being airlifted there yesterday afternoon.
A 23-year-old male was arrested and booked in the Scott County Jail after the stabbing on the 4400 block of Cedar Valley Lane that occurred at approximately 3:03 p.m. yesterday.

James F. Cleasby (Jim), 72 passed away on Wednesday, December 16, 2020.
 Jim resided in Columbia Heights, MN. with his wife of 52 years, Faye (LaCroix).  Their two daughters, Heather Lucking and Mindy Murphy, (Joe)  live in the vicinity.
Jim was raised in Lonsdale, the son of Edward, (Ed) and Adeline Cleasby, (Herda).
Jim graduated from Montgomery High School, class of '66.  Lived and worked most of his life in the Minneapolis area.
Jim was preceded in death by his Father, Ed, brothers Paul and Mark, nephew Clinton, brother in-law Jim Kokoszynski.

Richard A. Arens, 86 of Webster, MN and formerly of Kellogg, MN and Hopkins, MN, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 19, 2020, at Mala Strana Rehabilitation Center, New Prague.
Richard was born June 23, 1934, in Wabasha to Matthew and Bess (Odell) Arens.  He graduated from Kellogg High School and from the Dunwoody Institute with a degree in drafting.  He served in the US Army Reserves and was honorably discharged.  On October 16, 1954, he married Lillian F. Buchholz and they moved to Hopkins and then Webster. Lillian preceded him in death on June 3, 1974.

Robert J. “Bob” Maxa, age 55, died peacefully with his family at his side, after a long and difficult struggle with multiple health problems on Thursday, December 17, 2020 at Reflections – End of Life Care in Northfield.  Bob was born on November 24, 1965 in New Prague to Jacob A. and Audree A. (Sullivan) Maxa.  He attended St.

On Monday, Dec. 21, Mayor Chuck Nickolay will serve at his last New Prague City Council meeting. His term as the city’s mayor ends on Thursday, Dec. 31, ending a 10 year term as mayor.
During that time he’s seen a lot of changes in the community and had several experiences. He added the opportunities to represent New Prague has been a fulfilling experience.
“Overall, being the mayor has been one of the most...
To see more on this story, pick up the December 17, 2020 print edition of The New Prague Times.

The month of December is mainly known for Christmas, New Year’s and Hanukkah. There are a few other events that are happening in the month, while some are activities that have good intentions, others could fall under the title “people who have too much time on their hands.”

A young woman’s cow painting just earned her some moolah.
Anna Prchal’s vibrant, acrylic painting of a purple cow claimed the People’s Choice Award--and $100--in the Arts and Heritage Center of Montgomery’s Celebrating Farmers and Agriculture window art contest.
The contest was made possible because of a grant from Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council and donations from the Bob and Mary Jo Loftus Foundation and Compeer Financial. Her painting, which she refers to as “Crazy Cow,” was displayed at...

New Prague area residents have been busy over the last few weeks as St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church’s Adopt-a-Family program collected clothing and toys. Organizers are partnering with Santa Anonymous in Le Sueur County to aid 231 families and 615 children so they can have a good Christmas this year.
“There are quite a few changes this year, but we’re..."
To see more on this story, pick up the December 17, 2020 print edition of The New Prague Times.

In alignment with Executive Order 20-103 announced December 16 by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Minnesota State High School League will begin in-person practice for winter sports and activities on Mon., Jan. 4, 2021.

Per Governor Walz, thanks to the hard work of Minnesotans over the last few weeks to keep each other safe, we are starting to turn a corner on COVID-19. But we’re not out of the woods yet. Today we announced a way forward that will bridge the gap to vaccination.
This plan will protect hospital capacity while prioritizing getting our kids back in the classroom and supporting Minnesotans’ quality of life.
Starting January 18, every elementary school in Minnesota may choose to operate in person with additional safety measures.

Barbara D. Loebner, age 84, of Montgomery, formerly of New Prague, died peacefully with her family at her side on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at Traditions of Montgomery. Barbara was born on April 27, 1936 in Minneapolis to Dale and Agnes (Shepherdson) Smith. She graduated from Roosevelt High School and went on to attain both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in teaching from the University of Minnesota. She married the love of her life, George J. Loebner on May 12, 1956 in Minneapolis.

Marcia “Marcie” Joan Green, age 72, of Hill City, MN, formerly of New Prague, died at her home on Tuesday, December 8, 2020, after a courageous fight against malignant melanoma. Marcie was born in Minneapolis, MN on March 31, 1948, to Alvin and Muriel (Synnes) Chadwick.  Marcie married Thomas Lee Green on September 13, 1980, in Mound, MN. During her life, Marcie's worked as a veterinary technician, a secretary, a housekeeper, and a scheduler. She retired in 2015 and was happy to spend more time with her family and curling up on the couch with a good book.